Solar energy does more than generating power. Solar energy change and improve lives. Sunshine Stories is a short documentary series on how solar energy is a liberating power highligting tales of rural Africa.

I have traveled around East Africa to explore how solar energy not only brings clean power, but forsters a series of development benefits among the poor. In five episodes, you will get an insight into how solar energy triggers new economic opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, improves agricultural practices, and increases food security. Not only that, it also provides better education and health services.

Solar energy and off-grid solutions in developing countries is a powerful contribution to achieving the political goals that everyone should have access to modern energy services

Sunshine Stories is produced by Jill Johannessen, for energiogklima.no with support from The Norwegian UNESCO-Commission.

Episode 1. Solar energy leapfrogging the central power grid Prices for solar power are sharply declining, which makes it possible for Africa to leapfrog expensive and polluting technologies and embrace decentralized energy solutions, which uses the sun as a pillar.

Episode 2. Solenergi boosting businessAccess to electricity fosters entrepreneurship, increased economic activity. In this episode, you will meet men and women who has gotten their dream come through thanks to access to solar energy as well as a variety of solar commodities to choose from.

Episode 3. Solar energy can revolutionize agriculture and boost food security In Sub-Saharan Afriva 2 billion acres of farmland are weather-dependent. Small farmers who have adopted solar water pumps and dryppirrigation reduce the risk of crop failure, improve productivity and increase food security.

Episode 4. Solar power improves educational opportunitiesMwende last year of primary school. The establishment of a solar-based mini-grid in the village has made it possible for her to read the homework in the evenings and has raised the quality of teaching.

Episode 5. Solar Improving health services More than 150.000 women die in Africa each year in childbirth. Solar energy helps to improve health services on the African countryside, especially for expectant mothers and their newborns. It saves lives!